Questions & Answers - Selection of chemical clothing

The BSIF has received several questions to its InfoDesk regarding whether type-4 protective clothing is adequate following the banning in France of a number of products. The problem revolves around the fact that there is an increased desire for micro-porous materials to reduce sweating and discomfort and the relevant standards were created in the days when only impervious products were available. Couple this with the fact that the test methods are not wholly specific on the ways in which permeation is measured and there is a recipe for a lack of clarity and an inability for test results to be re-produced.

Many products are adequate for most chemical agents such as crop spraying and other agricultural chemicals. The best advice that the BSIF can give is not to take chances and check. Suppliers provided with the Material Data Sheet safety information on the chemicals being used should be able to advise whether their type-4 product is suitable and details of break-through times. If the protection currently being used is inadequate, they will also likely be able to suggest alternative protective clothing.